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We Answer Wednesday – How to Layer your rugs

August 31, 2016

“I see cowhide rugs everywhere. I purchased one but it’s too small for my living room. How can I use it ?”

Cowhide (real or faux) is a great way to add some natural animal elements to a room and also some texture. We love how every cowhide is unique – it’s adds a cool and organic element to a room. But you are right the size can be tricky especially in a larger room.

Try this – it’s actually a great trick for any area rug that you want to use that’s too small…

Layer it!

Yes, that’s right – layer it! OK let us explain. The cowhide is going to add a great graphic pop or natural texture to your space. Underneath the cowhide use another rug in the correct size – in a neutral tone (we highly recommend a rug that is close in tone to the wall to wall floors). We love the look of another natural textured rug like a sea grass or sisal or recycled leather but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are some examples:

Here the black and white cowhide is layered over a natural sisal – the mix of textures adds an extra element to the room. Also the black and white pillows add even more visual interest in the space.

Try layering multiple rugs in one room. Keep the largest one in a neutral and then the medium one is next and lat the smallest. Feel free to lay them in an off set manner. They don’t need to be completely centered and perfect. We like the look in this clean and modern space. The walls being white allow for a ‘busier’ floor. Notice the cream rug is layered with a black and white stripe and a cow hide. It adds such a sophisticated feel to the space.

This is also a great way to update a space that has wall to wall carpet

You might think that this technique doesn’t make a difference but it does! The larger rug pulls the eye out and wide and the smaller rug adds a pop of colour/print so the room still looks big and spacious whereas just having an area rug that’s too small will make the room appear small as well. In order for this to be effective – the largest rug must be of the proper size for the room.

You can also angle the rugs – they don’t have to be straight on and centered. This can work in any room, too!

This is a great way to still use your favourite area rugs even though they are too small!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 10 Best Timeless Patterns

August 10, 2016

“I love the idea of adding some pattern to my home but I am so afraid to commit. I really don’t want to spend on something that won’t be in style for a while. Any suggestions on pattern that won’t go out of style?”

You are right making a commitment especially one with a bigger price can be nerve wracking but have no fear there are some classic patterns that you can add to your space that will not only compliment but will add a level of sophistication to your home.

Pattern textiles are perfect for upholstery, drapery and accent pillows. Be sure to speak with your local textile expert to ensure that you have the right fabric for the use.

Here are some classic fabric patterns that you can bring into your space without any

regret.

Pinstripe:

Much thinner and more subdued than a normal stripe, these patterns add a faint, menswear detail to upholstery and pillows. But any stripe is a classic but we love the look of this menswear inspired look. A stripe can be paired with other patterns as well – Mixing patterns adds real sophistication and a designer look to a space. This modern chair in a navy pinstripe fabric with shiny gold arm looks incredibly chic!

Toile de Jouy:

De jouy fabric originated in France in the 1760s. The original patterns usually depicted pastoral scenes; today there are many pattern choices and colors available. Other patterns include more exotic Chinese themes became popular, as did famous moments from history. All were hand-drawn in a curvaceous style with fine detail that was then etched onto wood blocks and printed onto the fabric.

Certainly a more traditional option but if you use it and pair it with the right pieces it can work with a rustic country space – pair it with furniture that is clean and streamlined, so it doesn’t look fussy. Or use it as an accent wall with wallpaper

Fretwork:

These are geometric, interlaced patterns with sharp angles. Similar to the repeated nature of latticework but the design can be more complex, like a Greek key. There are many patterns with a geometric repeating pattern that fall into this category – your choices are endless and so are the colour options. This works beautifully in any space including bedrooms and even nurseries but it also pairs well with other prints – we love it with florals.

Tree of Life:

These sprawling nature-inspired prints are characterized by scrolling vines, flowers, leaves, and birds. The patterns are typically very large in scale and are great for draperies. Not sure if florals are your ‘thing’? Try incorporating them into art. A simple fabric swatch or wallpaper sample in a frame with matting and frame – looks clean and modern and adds a pop of pattern with zero commitment and very little cost.

Seen here this botanical fabric has been used as a wall panel for a pop of colour and great visual interest in this room. Plus see how it works with the trellis (fretwork) ottoman

Damask:

A reversible fabric commonly woven in silks and wools and printed on linens and cottons. The repeating medallion-like designs are often done in a single color with the ground (base cloth) in a flat finish and the
design in a sateen. Modern print versions are interpreted in more high-contrast color combos.

For a while Damask wall paper accent walls were all the rage – we saw them everywhere – that trends has softened a bit (high contrast less popular and more tone-on-tone is what we are seeing) but the pattern itself is a classic and it also pairs well with any fretwork. A Damask accent chair with a Fretwork area rug is a gorgeous combination. Damask can be fussy is paired with fussy and formal things. See the image below – using Damask in a roman shade is a clean and modern use yet it has great visual interest in this clean and modern space. We also love the pairing with the stripe area rug.

Ogee:

Described as a bit of a mod look – another repeating pattern – it looks like strings of stacked onions. This pattern comes in various scales and sizes and of course, colour combinations. This is perfect for drapery but we love it as an accent pillow. See the image below for an example of Ogee – the grey on grey bedding in this print is so sophisticated but still visually interesting.

Suzani:

Likely a term you haven’t heard but you will recognize this tribal influenced pattern. These patterns are based off of the tribal textiles of Central Asia, Suzani’s feature colorful, circular shapes intertwined with vines, flowers, leaves, and fruits. Often seen in vibrant and bold colour combinations – so this is a pattern that makes a real statement! It’s perfect for little pops like accent pillows or bold splashes like an accent chair or bedding.

To maintain the focus on this bold print, keep the other piece simple and clean. In the image below, the head of the bed frame and other bedding is just plain and simple, the bedside lighting is also simple, even the art is under stated – the bedding coverlet makes the statement and the overhead fixture makes a splash just a smaller one. But this entire room works!

Ikat:

This is technically a term for the resist dyeing technique used to produce the painterly patterns seen on these fabrics. Similar to a tie dye, but ikat threads are dyed first, then constructed into cloth yielding the meandering look which is insanely popular right now. It is a combination of this organic almost tribal feel paired with the geometry of fretwork or even a more floral damask feel – the line work is softer in appearance due to the technique, so if you don’t like really clean lines this might be a good option for you.

Plus the colour possibilities are endless. And it pairs beautifully with simple stripes. We love these Ikat upholstered dining chairs seats – the colour combination is fresh – it has a softer damask look which adds a bit of a casual nature to the room but still so chic.

Chevron:

A repeating V or zig zag pattern, almost like a clean stripe just with a slight modification. In recent ears – this pattern was seen everywhere from drapery to pillows to nurseries. We saw this in every colour imaginable but the grey and white was probably the most popular.

It is still a classic even though it is no longer trending. It looks great as an accent pillow. Seeing the chevron in an area rug adds a pop to the room but because it is in neutral tones it isn’t trendy. and this simple and neutral chevron is a great backdrop if you wanted to add some other patterns to the room like pillows for instance.

Animal print:

Some say that an animal print is tacky but that is more about amount and application. Animal prints in a neutral colour wave are a great way to add some fun or glamour into your space without bold injections of colour. Animal print is also true to nature so it works with anyone opting for a more natural look.

Many animal prints mix well with other prints so you really can have a lot of fun. Don’t go overboard with animal print everywhere and on everything – that’s when it gets tacky!

Polka-dots:

Are another classic print – this works really well for kids rooms in a fabric or even vinyl decals on the wall. This print can be bold depending on size/scale and colour combination but it can also be subtle. Plus it works well with other prints -the polka dot sheets are a great backdrop for this WOW bed – the polka dots add a bit of fun and whimsy to the room instead of a solid sheet. You could also opt for the reverse – polka dots on the wall and plain sheets.

When it comes to adding some print and pattern into your space, start off slow (especially if you aren’t adventurous), add some accent pillows or bedding first – this is pretty low risk and easy to replace if you don’t like it. Next try a dining chair seat in upholstery (this is also a great and simple DIY project).

If you are loving the addition of pattern in your space – take the leap with drapery and an area rug. Pattern is nothing to be afraid of – have some fun!!

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, KITCHENS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to pick the right Kitchen Island seating options

July 20, 2016

“I’m moving into a house this fall and we have a kitchen island. I’m excited to have seating at the island. I’ve never purchased stools before what should I be looking for?”

First off – Congrats on the move! How exciting!!

A kitchen island is definitely something to be excited about – they offer so much extra kitchen space in terms of prepping, serving or just hanging out. We love kitchen islands!

When it comes to seating at your island the first thing you need to be 100% aware of is the height of the island. Is it bar height? Is it counter height? Or is the (seating space) table height? This is the number 1 thing you need to know before making any purchase.

For a bar height:

(This is usually described as a breakfast bar, usually there is a part of the island that is raised. sometimes we see a raised portion on a kitchen peninsula). A 30-inch stool is the perfect height for a standard 42-inch bar or counter top but anywhere between 28″ and 33″ will work . Bar-height stools are also ideal for a work space, like the garage. These are the same size stools you see in a restaurant or bar and are taller than the average dining chair. Ideal for standard built-in bars. Not ideal for small children

For counter height:

This is an island that is the same height as the rest of your counter tops. These stools are the ideal height for a 36-inch counter or to have on their own for extra seating. Counter-height bar stools are smaller than the typical stool you see in restaurant or bar, but are a great addition to your home bar or kitchen space, they range in height from 24″ to 27″. Popular option for kitchen islands and easy to use for most people

For table height:

(We see this a lot in condos) the island usually has a portion of the island that is counter height and then a portion that dips down to table height. This is in lieu of a kitchen or dining table. Table-height stools are shorter than counter or bar stools and can be a good alternative to chairs at a dining table or breakfast nook. Generally between 16 and 23 inches tall. Offers a casual look; often without backs. Great choice for small children and kids’ seating

*this is an example of the kitchen island counter top with only a slight over hang – this would not be the main eating space but perfect for hanging out while watch the host cook.

Other measurements to consider when choosing a bar stool are the spaces between each stool as well as between the stool and the surface height.

For stool spacing…

look to have about 26 to 30 inches measured from the center of one stool to the center of the stool next to it. This allows for optimal space for eating, working, and socializing. For leg spacing, account for 9 to 12 inches between the stool seat and the underside of your counter top or bar surface. We suggest a counter top over hang of 15″-18″ if this is going to be a main eating area.

When it comes to style…

the possibilities are truly endless but take a few things into consideration. If this is a main seating/dining area – mid to full backs are a comfortable option. If your are tight on space look for options that are sleeker and not bulky, backless stools tuck under counter top over hangs really nicely. If you have room for lots of seating but don’t really have a lot of guests over, try mixing styles – that way you have the supportive comfort but also some spare seating when you need it and your kitchen won’t look or feel cramped.

This image is a great example of mixing stool styles. The full back upholstered stools are comfortable and perfect for everyday use. The backless adjustable cowhide stools add some extra seating when needed.

I hope these measurements help you find the proper stools for your kitchen island…use this as a guide and pick a style that suits you, the possibilities are endless!

SHOP STOOLS + KITCHEN FURNITURE + DECOR….

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Decorate with Red

July 6, 2016

“I love red. I have lots of red accents in my house like pillows and some art. I want to add a new colour in the mix but still keep the red. What works with red?”

Red is a bold colour and it can really make a statement on it’s own but we agree with you adding in a secondary accent colour can really change up the look of your space.

Although red is big and punchy you do have options for a second accent colour.

Red and charcoal grey.

This is a great choice if your main furniture pieces are black or even a dark espresso or the opposite, white. We also like mixing red and charcoal with a lighter grey sofa like the image below.

Red and Aqua blue.

If you like a bit of the unexpected this is a good option for you. the aqua or turquoise combined with the red makes a bright and colourful statement – plus you can add some white for a clean almost beach-y look or some golden yellows for even more pop! In a case like this a pattern piece like this pillows bring this unexpected colour combo together!

Red and White.

A classic combination and you can’t go wrong with it! This can work with any style: country to modern – it just depends on the pieces. Here we have an example of a country bedroom it is so fresh and inviting. The distressed iron bed frame in red is just another way to add some colour into the room.

Red and Pink.

Yes you can!! Again another unexpected combination but it definitely makes a statement! Again if you like the idea of mixing these two bold hues look for a piece that brings them together like a patterned pillow, area rug or an art piece. Keep the supporting neutrals clean and crisp like in this image – the pure white bedding and the soft grey drapes and bench are a perfect back drop for these bright tones!

Red and Navy Blue.

This look can be a bit nautical but that depends on a lot of the decor items you choose. This is another classic combination and it is truly timeless. See the image below for some inspiration in this colour palette that is not nautical in theme.

Red and Dark Brown.

This is such a warmth combination and you can really add smaller accents to this look as well. Take some inspiration from the image below. The mix of the dark brown wall and red furniture adds warmth and richness to the space. The pattern rug and pillow add some golden tones into this mix as well. This has a bit more of an eclectic feel but it is very chic.

Red is so versatile in terms of both style and colour pairings. Don’t be afraid to try any combination!

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to mix patterns

June 29, 2016

“In magazines I see designers mix different prints and patterns in one room. I love the look. How do you mix patterns without making a mess?”

You are so right! Mixing prints and patterns in one room is a designer look and it makes a room more chic and sophisticated but it can be tricky to get right.

Combining prints brings excitement to a room—but how do you make it work?

Set small patterns against large ones, limit your palette, and include one big solid (on sofa, floor, or wall) in the scene. We recommend a solid for large pieces like a sofa and then we can build on that.

Here are a few examples that you could follow.

This room is a great example of mixing prints and patterns with a limited palette. We have a solid and neutral wall paint and sofa and simple window coverings – on it’s own it is a bit boring.

Now let’s add the excitement….the stripe rug in white and blue is fresh and adds a big pop in the room. This area rug in white and blue is the inspiration for the colour palette for the prints. We have an accent chair in a modern botanical print in the blue and white palette plus we have some decor pillows in a different blue and white pattern.

This room has a cohesive look with a bit of a nautical theme (but certainly not overboard on the theme – pardon the pun!) This room has the designer look and follows the simple formula of a few solids, a mix of large and small prints in a limited colour palette.

If you prefer a look that is softer…

…you can still play with pattern. In this room we have a mix of stronger and softer prints. The drapery has a larger pattern yet still in a neutral colour palette, the ottoman has a very subtle print in a low contrast colour scheme.

The pillows on the accent chair add a bit more pop to the room but the look here is very soft and toned down. The walls and the chairs are a great neutral backdrop for the prints and texture. This creates a very relaxing and soothing look in a space. The rattan tray and plant add some texture adding some visual interest.

Love the look of wallpaper?

…but think it limits your chances to add other patterns? Think again! Use the wallpaper as a point of inspiration for other prints in the room. The wallpaper in this image has a blend of orange tones, yellow, blue and white. It’s a pretty bold wall covering so the other prints should be a bit more subtle.

Here we have a blue bed frame that pulls from the wallpaper tones. The bedding textiles have a soft mix of corals and white with a blue throw blanket -so this way everything works together.

Don’t be afraid to mix prints when it comes to pillows.

This arrangement follows a ‘buddy system’. The soft mint green is seen in some solid pillows (at the back) and we also see it in the front lumbar pillow. The white is seen in all of the print pillows. We have black in 3 pillows and the only true pop is the pink peony. This combination of prints seems unexpected and maybe random but it is very much planned which is why it looks great!

When it comes to playing with prints you can get as bold or as subtle as you like. Follow the easy steps and you can achieve a designer look in your space,

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Best Front Door Colour

June 15, 2016

“I have a red masonry home and the style of my home is quite traditional. I want to paint my front door in something that’s a bit more fun (currently my door is black). Any ideas?”

Painting your front door is an easy update and it can really transform the look of your home. Your exterior is a classic and paired with a black door you have a timeless look. But you can update the exterior with some paint and it can really make a huge difference.

We love this home located in Carleston, SC (USA). This look is timeless. The matte black against the masonry is classic and the cream trim matches the cream mortar.

Assuming your roof is neutral like black or possibly charcoal – you have lots of options.

But remember when you are picking an exterior paint colour you really need to work with what finishes are already there. So the shade of red is important. We also suggest looking at the region for inspiration. A soft beachy blue for example works well in Southern climates like the Carolinas but looks out of place in Northern climates, so keep that in mind as well.

For instance, if you have a terracotta (orange) this works well with colours such as navy blue or even a cobalt blue, dark taupe, dark (warm) grey, khaki and olive are nice green options, a deep cranberry and espresso are good options as well.

This orange tone home looks current with this charcoal door with warm white trim.

This exterior has orange tones that have a few more variations but the olive-sage door looks fresh and clean especially with the warm white trim. This home has a lot of charm and is warm and inviting.

Now, if you have an exterior tone that is a deeper tone like a brownish red or a burgundy…

you will want to look at paint colours such as navy blue, charcoal grey, deep olive green, a dark cranberry with brown undertones is another great option. If you are looking for something a bit more unusual try a teal door with warm white trim. A red door is also a great look on a deeper red exterior home. It’s a classic but it isn’t as formal.

This navy door with white trim against the burgundy masonry is a very classic look but it looks great and isn’t as formal as the black door.

This teal painted door is a fresh and fun look but works with the reddish tones.

This burgundy home looks great with a red door – notice how the shade of red in the door isn’t orange, it is a true red.

These are some great options for your front door and as you know already paint can make a huge difference. Be sure to pay attention to the other features like the trim (is it chipping?), the mailbox, doorbell, grip set and address numbers – are they in good shape? Do they need replacing or repairing? Those small details can make a huge difference in the exterior and curb appeal of your home.

Your home needs to put it’s best foot forward and a fresh coat of paint on your door in the right colour will make a lasting impression!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to make my home look summer-y

June 1, 2016

“How can I make my home look summer-y? The cold weather is finally gone but my home still looks kind of winter-y”

Yes, the weather is absolutely beautiful these days and it looks like those chilly days are behind us (at least for a few months). It’s nice to celebrate the changing of the seasons and if you live in an area like ours, the changes in weather are pretty drastic! We love to have the inside of our homes light and airy like the summer weather so here are some ideas that we use at home.

1 – Flowers

– bring in some beauty of the spring/summer season. If you have a lovely garden cut some of your own flowers, if you don’t have a garden to pick from the local Farmer’s markets have tons of beautiful flowers this time of year. We love the see arrangements on coffee tables, dining tables and even bedrooms.

2- Pillows and throws

– chances are if you live in a colder climate (like us) your pillows and throws (on your bed and sofa) you colour motif is likely deep and dark, so for the warmer seasons lighten it up! Can this get expensive? Sure. But if you are smart you can do this on a budget. Try pillow covers instead of all new pillows. This way you can keep the inserts, change the covers seasonally and send the off-season covers to be professionally cleaned. Tuck away your off-season pillows and throws in a closet or a trunk during these warm months. If you stick with a spring/summer colour scheme and a fall/winter scheme you will get a lot of use of your accent decor pieces. For spring summer, we love a pop of yellow. Yellow works with blue, green, orange, pink ….. plus it is so sunny and bright!

3 – Drapery and window coverings

– we aren’t suggesting a new set of window dressings is mandatory but if you have heavy drapery such as velvet or a really dark colour, you might want to consider a lighter option during the spring/summer months – this will completely transform the look of your home. And much like the idea with the pillow covers, take the cold season drapery to be cleaned. If you aren’t open to 2 sets of drapery, pull back the curtains and pull up the blinds and let the light in! this will brighten up the room.

4 – Fireplace

– the fireplace is a focal point in your room no matter the season. In those cold winter and crisp fall months, it is easy to style the fireplace but what to do in the warm months? The fireplace likely won’t be in use but it is a big piece of your room. Style it with some softer textures and tones. You have lots of options but we suggest adding elements that work with your spring/summer colour scheme and adding some botanical pieces (that could be floral arrangements or a seasonal art piece). We love the image below because it has that summer ease – the plants are a great touch and that mirror in the fireplace is such a great idea. The garden stool adds a pop of colour but is also another seating option when needed.

5 – Texture

– in the warmer months we all love to get outside, so to make your home decor more ‘summer-y’ bring the outdoors in! Yes, we already mentioned flowers but there are other outdoor elements that you can bring inside. Think about natural textures like wood, rattan and sisal – they add that soft and natural factor but also a warmth. These are great options if you lean towards neutrals, in terms of your decor palette. The richness of these textures adds a sophistication to any space.

You can create a welcoming entry in the summer by adding a summer themed wreath and planters. Maybe even a bench with some outdoor pillows – this will create a warm and inviting vignette for family and friends!

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BATHROOMS, STORAGE + ORGANIZING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday: How to add extra storage to a bathroom (without a renovation)

May 18, 2016

“We live in a small house and the whole family shares a bathroom. We are managing just fine but the clutter of everyday stuff is getting to me. What can we do to add some storage to our bathroom and not take on a renovation?”

The bathroom is a busy place and every high traffic area has a lot of stuff collecting everywhere but there are some things you can do to at least keep it under control.

We suggest taking a look at the type of clutter and where it is. Counter space in a bathroom can often get overwhelmed with products and more and it can lead to spills and just overall disorganization.

Baskets.

Can keep things look neat and tidy but still at your finger tips. We often recommend baskets when we stage homes as they are easy to hide and bring out when you need them. But for everyday, there is no problem with baskets that are ‘out’ – just having your items tucked away in a small basket keeps things looking (and feeling) organized.

Another great way to use baskets is hanging them – it’s pretty and pretty practical. That space over the toilet is often used for decor purposes but make it functional. These basic baskets (in a coordinating colour) hung on towel racks are a great way to keep everyone organized, so smart!

Towel racks.

Think about relocating your towel racks to a location in the bathroom that will allow you to use the other wall space for more small storage. Hanging 2 smaller towel racks on the back of the door makes so much sense and it gives you more room for other important storage pieces and ideas.

Floating shelves.

We highly recommend that floating shelves in your bathroom be the small colour or close to the same colour as your walls – this will keep them from looking and feeling bulky in the space. A floating shelf is ideal for items that you need easy access to like towels or toilet paper. Adding a few decorative items to an open shelf makes it more pleasing to the eye. But matching baskets to contain smaller pieces is attractive, too.

Small storage pieces.

If you move your towel rack you might be surprised to find some wall space that would work for a small storage piece. We love the idea of a tiered or ladder shelf, the piece itself isn’t bulky and it offers lots of storage for everyday items.

Hooks and hangers.

Keep your towels (used ones) organized with hooks on the wall. For your children keep the hooks at their level – this will mean they can hang up and tidy up on their own.

Closed storage piece.

We have looked at a lot of open shelving options but if that won’t work for you look into a piece with doors (aka closed storage). Chances are you will be able to find something that works with your current vanity – it really is best to have something similar we want consistency and flow. Look at the image below – this is a whole set. It looks clean and streamlined not bulky and messy. This is a great spot to hide medicine, creams, personal grooming items and more.

Don’t forget about the interior of our vanity for storage….

Try using a kitchen utensil holder to organize costume jewelry or even make up

Baskets inside of your vanity are very effective too.

A Lazy-Susan isn’t just for the kitchen, we love it for inside of a cupboard. cupboards can get cluttered an disorganized very easily. A lazy-Susan will help with organization, maximizing the space and gives you easy access. Or even just tiered shelving for inside of a cupboard – try the kitchen organizing department.

Lighting.

A dark room any room will always feel smaller so be sure to check on that lighting. Are your bulbs working? Are they bright enough? Can you add more bulbs? Think about updating a fixture with more bulbs to add more light if you need it.

Paint.

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. A small space like a bathroom would be a great weekend job for painting and with the right colour you can really brighten up that space.

Easy updates can make your bathroom look and feel like new!

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HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to create curb appeal in the early spring

May 11, 2016

“My house is hitting the real estate market very soon. I know we have a great house on the inside but right now in this early spring weather, it’s not looking great. What can we do to increase our curb appeal when our gardens aren’t in bloom?”

You are so right!

Depending on where you live this time of year isn’t the prettiest. The good news is there are simple things that you can do to show off your great outdoor space. But your home is on the market now and you don’t want to wait until the gardens are in full bloom.

The gardens aren’t quite in bloom yet and the garden centers are gearing up for the season but in some areas it is still a bit early for planting. But the grass is green, so use what you have and make the best of it. So start with giving your yards (front and back) a good raking. There is always some dead leaves and branches on the ground – just getting those off the grass will give the exterior a clean look. Depending on your area you grass might be a bit on the long side. So give it a mow and you will notice how much neater everything looks.

Flowers are a great way to add a splash of colour but because you are selling you might not want to make a huge investment in flowers this spring season plus it is still a bit early for planting. A great alternative is planters at the front of the house and if you have a great deck space, some planters at the back are a nice touch too. So in these early spring days which flowers can handle this fresher weather? Potted Pansies are a great option – they are sturdy and colourful and if you take care of them, they will last all summer. A bit of height is a good idea when creating your planters – in the spring we love forsythia – the pop of yellow draws the eye in!

Remember these 3 words when creating a planter:

Spill, Fill and Thrill

– in other works, have some greenery or flowers that hang over the edge of the planter, have some plants and flowers that fill the majority of the pot (of medium height) and some height – the image below is a great example of a spring planter.

Create a welcoming vignette at the front door – this is the buyers first impression of the home so make it count! If you have a porch put out a bench with a pillow for a pop of colour. Try a wreath on the front door.

Just because it isn’t summer yet doesn’t mean you can’t set the scene for buyers. So pull out and dust off that patio furniture – maybe this is a bit early than usual but remember you are show casing your home for buyers so you want them to see how they would enjoy summer BBQs and get togethers outside. So place the furniture like you would if you were entertaining so have a dining area and a seating area. Roll out the BBQ and take off the cover. Now that the furniture is set up and clean, make it pretty with some outdoor pillows and maybe even an outdoor rug – it creates a welcoming scene for buyers.

Want to take it to the next level?

For the photos you can set the dining table or at the seating area, set up a tray with a pitcher – this will help make that emotional connection with the potential buyers who are looking online.

If you have a pool, make sure to have it open and running. A pool always looks better (and photographs better) when it is blue and beautiful!

If you have incredible gardens or a beautiful flowering tree look through your photos and see if you have some beautiful ‘full bloom’ summer photos to share with your agent – these would be great to show buyers as well.

Other curb appeal factors to look into:

– check all exterior lighting are the bulbs in working order ?
– brush away any cobwebs or other debris that may have collected over the winter
– check the mailbox, is it rusted or loosely affixed to the house?
– does your doorbell work?
– how is the paint on the front door?
– how is the roof?
– sweep the walkways, driveway, porch and decks

Buyers are looking to buy their new home not your old one – so take the time to set the scene and get it sold quickly!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – A Whole Home Colour Concept

May 4, 2016

“I want to have a cohesive look in my home – my entire home. How can I do that without being boring?”

Most people like the look and feel of a home with flow and cohesiveness. There are a number of tricks and tips to help you achieve a cohesive space but the easiest way to create a cohesive or fluid look in your whole home is through colour.

Creating a colour palette or colour concept for your entire home will make your decorating choices much easier but also you will connect each room to the next, so even if the style varies a bit in each room you still have a common thread pulling it all together.

Think about the magazine images and model homes that you have seen (and likely fallen in love with) …sure, they are full of beautiful and brand new furniture but one of the big reasons why they feel so good is the colour choices.

We can’t all live in a ‘model home’ that’s not realistic but we can take inspiration from these showstoppers. Here’s how: by using a limited number of colours and using them in different ways in each space to create a fluid and cohesive home.

Let’s get started:

1. The colors you use in your home are completely up to you.

Do what makes you feel fabulous cause no one ever gets sick of that right? So you don’t have to paint your entire home white or beige – pick a colour that you like. It could be grey, green, beige, taupe, blues even bolder choices like yellow or purple.

2. Stick to 3-5 colors for your color palette.

For those of you who love color, this may feel limiting, but I promise you will still end up with a colorful home. For those of you with a fear of color, go with more muted shades of color so that you add color into your life without it being too in your face.

We personally recommend a neutral in that palette if you want some bolder colour, for instance if you want some yellow we like mixing in a neutral like grey. But you don’t have to.

3. We are not talking about redoing your entire home tomorrow

– that may not be in your budget and that’s OK. We are talking about setting up a color plan so that over time it will guide your decorating decisions and eventually you will have a beautiful home that is totally you and flows nicely from one room to another.

So be sure to write your plan down somewhere and include the names, brands and formula codes of the paint colours you have selected.

Starting with your favorite color means that you won’t be getting sick of it any time soon. Now I’m not saying that if your favorite color is cobalt blue to go paint all of your walls that color, but you can most definitely use it as a starting point. Use that bold blue as your inspiration.

Remember your ‘colour plan’ isn’t just about paint, it is about creating a cohesive look using colour – so think about your paint but also think about furniture, accessories, rugs and more.

See the image below – that bold cobalt blue is part of the decor scheme using accessories. Only you can determine the amount of bold colour you can handle or want in your space.

Still not sure on which colour direction to head in because you like all colour?

Think about the feeling you want to create at home. Do you want your home to feel calm and spa like? Or lively with lots of contrast?

Or how about uber modern? Color will help achieve the feeling you want.

So, in summary, here’s how to get the perfect colour concept for your entire home.

1. Pick a white.

Not all whites are the same, they have various undertones. So put your white paint swatches up against your main space elements like flooring, cabinetry, and the furniture that you will be using/keeping. If you know what kind of palette you want – cool or warm, look at your whites. If a white looks a bit blue-ih or grey-ish, that’s a cool white. If your white looks warmer even with a touch of yellow, that’s a warm tone. You can choose either – it’s up to you but you want those undertones to be consistent throughout your colour palette.

2. Pick a neutral.

This will be the main colour in the home, some called it the ‘field’ colour. This will be the colour that really connects all of the rooms. Now using the term neutral doesn’t mean you need to pick beige or beige – you can get more creative with greys, taupes, even soft greens, yellows or blues. you will see a lot of this colour in your space – which is why we recommend something softer and more subtle, many of us tire of deep and bold tones after a while.

3. Pick a saturated colour.

Because you have neutral tone so far this is where you can get a little more adventurous, if you like; and you can choose any colour you like! If colour isn’t your thing, we suggest opting for a deeper neutral like a charcoal grey or perhaps a deep brown. Keep in mind this colour may not necessarily be on your walls – it might be used as an accent (remember the bedroom image above with the cobalt blue accents). If you really want this colour on a wall, an accent wall would work.

Typically for smaller and more open concept spaces, like a condo-apartment we recommend stopping at 2-3 paint colours and the rest be used for accent colours – so for accessories, bedding, art etc…

This room is playing with various neutral – really only 3. White, tan and charcoal. This is an easy neutral palette but the mix of timeless neutrals and adding some texture – see the wood framed mirror, the glass end table and pops of gold- they follow the colour palette plan and create this very sophisticated space. Neutral doesn’t mean boring.

4 and 5. Pick accent colours.

You have lots of choices depending on the look and feel you want. These colours will be used in decorative accents and they will compliment the above 3 colours – so everything works nicely together to get you that designer look and feel.

If you want a calmer feel and a monochromatic look – add some neutrals in various shades. If you want more ‘pop’ add some complimentary colours, so if you have blue already think about adding some orange and/or yellow to really make things bright and fun.

Take a look at the image above, there is a 5 tone palette – with a white, a neutral and 3 pops of colour. The soft aqua is the main colourful element and the blush and coral and secondary. there are some various tones in this image but they all work together to create a cohesive look because there is a plan.

So now that you have your palette or colour concept what do you do next?

Use these colours as your guide which means it is all about using the colors (or variations of the colors) you chose differently in each room. Remember this is just your guide. Going up or down a shade or 2 to make it work in the space you are doing is great. The idea is to stick to your palette as a guide. So when you are shopping for some art and accessories keep the palette in mind but don’t panic if you don’t have exact matches.

When you plan ahead instead of ‘making it up as you go along’ – you really see the difference and you get that designer look. But it’s never too late, so work with what you’ve got and pull it together using these tips!

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